For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave
me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me... And the king will say
to them in reply, 'Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of
these least of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25: 35, 40
Recognition Mass, Bishop Salvatore J Cordileone, Celebrant
Proceeds benefit programs that serve the poor.
Held Thursday, November, 20, 2008, at the University of San Diego,
this was the innaugural celebration to recognize individuals who
put their faith in action through works of charity for the least
of Christ's brothers and sisters.
Nominations were submitted by parish pastors.
Blessed Sacrament—Cathie Senoff
Cathie is an extremely active member of Blessed Sacrament parish. Her ministry to those in need includes the Mid-City Agency, Rachel's Women's Center, and El Nido. In all three she is the hands-on go-getter who makes things happen. She is also in charge of our Giving Tree program at Christmas. If there is a need she enthusiastically jumps in.Christ the King—Linda Palmer
Linda Palmer was born in Chicago on the segregated South side. Despite being very poor, her parents provided all six children a Catholic education until high school. Linda joined Christ the King parish in the late 1980s and served as president of the St Vincent de Paul Society's conference there for 6 years. In 2002, Linda was appointed secretary of the diocesan council. In 2003, was elected as San Diego's first woman and first African-American president of the diocesan council. She serves as a member of the US Council representing San Diego County (and a portion of Imperial County) as trustee.Guardian Angels—Victor ColeLinda says: "I grew up during the height of the civil rights era and learned from so many others who lived their faith by giving of their time and resources. After many years of frustration seeking others to share the workload—and always falling short, I've come to this restorative revelation: Many are called, some hear the call, very few answer the call, and even fewer are able to actually know that the call means to serve God's poor and needy."
Victor is in charge of ministry to the sick and also coordinates the pantry for the poor with special emphasis on Thanksgiving and Christmas. He is very dedicated in whatever work he does.Immaculate Conception—Joseph C. Toigo
When Joseph Toigo was stationed at MCRD just before World War II, an Italian buddy brought him to Old Town to attend the CYO dance held at Immaculate Conception Church. It was there Joe met his future wife, Carmen Cerda.Mary, Star of the Sea—José García VillaJoe and Carmen were married at the Church in 1941. They settled in Old Town after the war. He has been continuously called upon to serve his parish community and has been exemplary in his commitments and dedication. Joe has been a volunteer in the parish activities and outreach programs. He has organized and supported parish fund raising activities for Saint Vincent De Paul, Catholic Charities and the Catholic Worker. He has organized the cooking of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners for military personnel stationed at the various military bases in San Diego and away from their families for the Holidays.
Joe has spent his retirement years in the service of his parish, Immaculate Conception. Pastors come and go but Joe Toigo goes on forever.
José García Villa volunteered with the SHARE organization, assisted with faith formation classes for parents, quinceañeras, pre-baptismal classes, Holy Hour every first Friday of the month, and in his 82nd year of life, he still serves the community of Mary, Star of the Sea as Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, Minister at the Metropolitan Correctional Center now for 16 years. José has always tried to bring others more deeply into the Catholic Faith by preaching and living according to Christ's example and teachings.Mission de la Alcalá—Florence T Murphy
Florence T. Murphy has been an active member of Mission San Diego de Alcalá Parish ever since her arrival here in 1987. She immediately became involved with the service and outreach programs of our St Vincent de Paul Society and has been its President for eighteen years. Flo has also been President of the San Diego East Serra Club and the District Governor of Serra International.Nativity—Bob and Sherrill Baker
Bob and Sherrill Baker worked closely with Bishop Maher establishing the new parish in Rancho Santa Fe named for the shrine in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The Church of the Nativity remains indebted to Bob and Sherrill for their continuing example of their compassion for the poor and vulnerable. Joining many others who have benefitted from the personal care and generosity of Bob and Sherrill we proudly recommend them for recognition at the Matthew25: Mass and Dinner.Our Lady of Guadalupe, Chula Vista—Mrs Aurora Romero
Aurora Romero has been serving the community of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chula Vista for 53 years. She started donating her time by helping in kitchen sales. Mrs. Romero gives bread to the poor on Tuesdays and has dedicated herself to helping the less fortunate in Tijuana with essential daily needs, along with Father Gabriel Pedroza. Her spirit of giving has had an impact in a special way to the community of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church through the leadership in the Peace and Justice committee.Our Lady of Guadalupe San Diego—Benjamin and Zenida Cuevas
Benjamin and Zenida Cuevas are long time parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in San Diego. They have served the poor of the parish for years in their own quiet, unassuming way. They are founding members of Our Lady of Guadalupe's Grupo Migrante and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Their quiet example of service has inspired others to give of themselves as well.Our Mother of Confidence—Margaret Gurney
Margaret Gurney has been actively involved in various ministries at Our Mother of Confidence since 1970. She has been the chairperson of the Grief and Healing Ministry since 1993, spending countless hours with families as they prepare for the Funeral Service of their loved ones. She has demonstrated leadership in getting grieving families together socially and at prayer services to share their memories. She also visits families and spends time on the phone with people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.Sacred Heart, Coronado—Clifton "Bud" Foster
As a career officer in the Navy, Bud Foster served our country. As a layman in the Catholic Church he has worked for the poor and homeless. For the last several years Bud had led Sacred Heart's effort in the Interfaith Shelter Network as well as headed up Chapter Charities for the Knights of Columbus.Santa Sophia—Jerry and Agnes Smith
Jerry and Agnes Smith both serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at Santa Sophia. They are active members of St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Jerry manages the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry and Agnes regularly works there. They comfort those in sorrow by assisting at parish funeral receptions and assist with providing housing for the participants who come to the parish every year as part of the Interfaith Shelter Network. Jerry is an active member of the Knights of Columbus while Agnes is president of the Parish Senior Club.St James—Deacon Al Graff
Deacon Al Graff has served the poor for most of his 89 years. He is the co-founder of Esperanza International providing low cost housing and health care in San Diego and Tijuana. He established St Leo's Medical/Dental Clinic in Solana Beach for the poor. He is a member of the first Board of Directors, SD/Tijuana Habitat for Humanity, and has been an active Deacon for 25 years.St Jude Shrine of the West—Roman Fernandez
Roman started St Jude's Social Ministry program 2 years ago. It is called "Gotas de Esperanza" or "Drops of Hope." The ministry has grown to include more than 40 parishioners. They serve several hundred families with food obtained mostly from the San Diego Food Bank. Roman invites all who come for food to also attend the Bible Study class every Friday evening. He does all this at great cost. According to his doctor, Roman should be in a wheelchair because he has severe arthritis. Because of his sacrifice, he has been elected president of the Parish Council.St Mary Magdalene—Larry Fulton
Larry Fulton has served on the National Board of Catholic Charities, has volunteered with: Interfaith Shelter Network, Casa de Los Pobres, and God's Extended Hand Center. Larry has taken to heart and put into action the imperatives of Matthew 25 on both sides of the border. He is an inspiration to us all.St Michael—Dick Moores
25 years ago Dick Moores decided to do something to show his concern for the needy. He visited supermarkets such as Von's, Albertsons and Ralphs and established a successful pick up and delivery service for St. Michael's parish. During the past 5 years more than 600,000 pounds of food has been delivered each year. Volunteers now provide this service 7 days a week thanks to Dick.St Patrick, Carlsbad—Rafael Cordova
Rafael Cordova has witnessed to those in need by his service to La Posada De Guadalupe, the shelter for homeless men in Carlsbad. He and his wife Micaela are coordinators of St Patrick's "Visitadores por Cristo." He shows concern for all who find themselves marginalized in his quiet and consistent outreach.St Patrick, San Diego—Mark A Kapov
Mark is a soundman who always is available for any parishioner needing set up or tear down. He does expert work for the parish and school, always with a smile—even though his children are now adults. He just keeps on giving of his knowledge and experience, saving us a lot of money. Truly an example of stewardship and service to others.St Rose of Lima—Trudy Balesteri
Trudy Balesteri has carried the mission of Sr Dolores Molina who started our Parish Social Outreach program. As Program Director, Trudy is responsible for serving thousands of people annually. Her heart is filled with love for the poor in our community.St Stephen—Patrick Conger
Patrick Conger is President of St Stephen's chapter of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. He is involved in the weekly feeding of 50-80 families, fire relief in all forms and holiday relief programs. He's devoted many years to corporal works of mercy. His nominating pastor says: "As deserving of recognition as I've encountered in any parish."University Ministry of University of San Diego—Marcus Lopez (student)
Marcus serves as a living witness of the Gospel through compassionate service at St Vincent de Paul's, Special Delivery, Interfaith Shelter Network, in Tijuana, the Romero Center, and Sustainability efforts here at USD. He advocates for justice, leads others in faithful reflection and seeks to treat all people with dignity and respect.